Fife schools receive energy grants

Fife is among 59 school districts in Washington to receive almost $17 million for energy efficiency improvements to schools. With these funds, one out of every five school districts in the state will be able to complete necessary energy-related projects in school facilities.

The money comes from a grant program funded by the state Legislature, through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The office received 81 grant applications this year. Districts were notified about their awards in December.

The Fife School District will receive $500,000 in grants. With this money, the district hopes to make upgrades that could include retrofitting energy-efficient lighting throughout the district or upgrading boiler and heating units.

Dr. Steve McCammon, Fife’s superintendent, said the school district is in the process of conducting an extended energy audit, which helps target areas that would most benefit from the funds.

“We have a couple relatively new schools in the district and while they’re all well maintained, the technology is still inefficient,” McCammon said. “With this grant, we will get a chance to do the necessary upgrades at very little cost.”  

Before upgrades can be made, the Fife School Board must formally ac-cept the funds and approve the scope of work to be completed. McCammon noted that while the funds will cover a significant amount of project costs, the district would most likely have to contribute additional funding for any upgrade work. McCammon anticipates work associated with this grant funding to begin by May.

“This grant is timely, and I think it’s an outstanding use of stimulus dollars,” McCammon said.  

About $6.6 million associated with this grant program will come in the form of utility incentives. Utility companies provide these incentives to homes, schools and businesses for projects and purchases that reduce energy consumption. The combination of state grant funds, district funds and utility incentives will total about $43.3 million in construction projects in 23 counties around the state.

The projects will save an estimated $2.1 million in energy costs each year. In units of energy – primarily electricity and natural gas – the savings can be compared to the annual energy use in 2,700 average Washington homes.

Commenting rules